Victim speaks out over punishment of priest

PORTLAND, Maine — One of those sexually abused by a Roman Catholic priest says he’s appalled the Vatican agreed to let the Rev. Michael Doucette remain a priest.

David Gagnon, who was 15 when he was abused by Doucette, said Friday that the priest’s punishment shows the Diocese of Portland doesn’t take clergy abuse seriously. He says he continues to go through therapy after being raped and sexual abused repeatedly by Doucette.

The diocese announced Thursday that Doucette will be allowed to retain the title of priest but won’t be able to present himself as a priest, wear clerical garb or have a public ministry.

Doucette was removed from the public ministry in 1991 for a brief period after Gagnon came forward and then was permanently removed in 2002 after a second victim came forward.